Vukanini and Zamta find mutual ground
Both associations said they hope the new agreement will yield positive results.
SECUNDA – Vukanini Taxi Association (Vukta) and Zamokuhle Taxi Association (Zamta) have signed an agreement to work together on Saturday, 16 March.
This came after the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, led by Mr Gillion Mashego, intervened to resolve the conflict between the two associations.
They have been fighting over routes.
The feud over routes between the associations began in December when Vukta heard that Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) gave Zamta a taxi rank in Secunda.
This resulted in two taxi’s being torched, one from Vukta and one from Zamta.
Since then, Vukta prohibited Zamta from operating on the Evander/Secunda route.
Residents of Lebohang (Leandra) took to the streets to protest in solidarity with Zamta on Monday, 7 January.
The protest lasted for a week.
Various cases of public violence were opened during this time.
Mediation meetings led by Ms Thandi Ngxonono, executive mayor for GMM, were held, however the associations could not find common ground.
Mr Mashego, was accompanied by Ms Ngxonono in the signing ceremony.
He expressed his gratitude for the much-awaited resolution after countless consultations between the two associations.
He further announced that on Thursday, 21 March together with the associations’ executive committees, they will brief members of both associations as well as the community, in Leandra at 10am.
This is to ensure that all parties concerned are taken on board and aware of the resolutions.
He said that henceforth, safety and security will be intensified to monitor the taxi operations in the area.
Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, Vukta chairman, said he is happy that they have found common ground with Zamta and he is looking forward to working with them.
Mr Mendy Mahlangu, Zamta chairman, said his association is positive about the agreement and hope it will yield positive results.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/132003/intervention-mpumalanga-provincial-government-brought-calmness-vukanini-taxi-association-vukta-zamokuhle-taxi-association-zamta-following-recent-taxi-violence/
